The stage is set for one of the most electric fixtures in the Premier League calendar – the Manchester derby. As Manchester United welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford on Sunday, April 6, 2025, tensions are high, stakes are massive, and the battle lines are drawn.
But this isn’t just another derby. Both sides are dealing with injury woes, tactical shifts, and fluctuating form — raising the stakes for what could be a pivotal moment in their season narratives.
Up next: Old Trafford's penultimate Manchester derby of the season 👀⚔️
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 3, 2025
🤝 @ManUtdWomen#MUFC || @Betfred
Manchester United vs Manchester City Match Preview
- Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 4:30 PM BST
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
The Manchester derby rarely disappoints, and this edition carries even more weight given both clubs’ current league aspirations. United are clawing for a top-four spot, while City are pushing to maintain pressure in the title race.
Recent meetings between these two giants have offered no shortage of goals, drama, and controversy. And with injury clouds looming over key figures in both camps, the tactical chess match becomes even more intriguing.
Manchester United: Squad Update & Predicted Lineup
Injury News
Manchester United enter this fixture with several defensive headaches. First-choice center-back Lisandro Martínez remains out, alongside Jonny Evans and Ayden Heaven. Their absence has forced manager Rúben Amorim to experiment with less familiar combinations at the back.
However, there’s some good news in midfield. Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo are back in light training and may make the bench. Their return would offer some much-needed depth and creativity in the middle of the park.
Predicted Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: André Onana
- Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Patrick Dorgu
- Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount
- Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund
Tactical Outlook
Expect Amorim to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation with a compact midfield, using Ugarte and Casemiro to break up City’s possession-centric style. Bruno Fernandes will likely operate in the free-roaming No. 10 role, looking to link up with Garnacho and Højlund on quick counters.
Manchester City: Team News & Expected Formation
Injury Concerns
Pep Guardiola’s side is also dealing with key absences. Erling Haaland is out, robbing City of their primary goal threat. Additionally, defenders John Stones, Nathan Aké, and Manuel Akanji are unavailable, leaving the backline thin.
Despite the setbacks, City’s depth remains formidable, and Guardiola is expected to lean into his possession-heavy tactics to suffocate United’s transition play.
Predicted Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Ederson
- Defenders: Rico Lewis, Rúben Dias, Abukodir Khusanov, Joško Gvardiol
- Midfielders: Mateo Kovačić, Nico González, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Jérémy Doku
- Forward: Omar Marmoush
Tactical Outlook
City will likely line up in their traditional 4-3-3, but with Marmoush in for Haaland, expect more fluidity and less physical presence up front. Foden and Doku will be instrumental in stretching United’s backline, while Bernardo Silva will act as the creative conduit.
Head-to-Head: Recent Meetings
- March 2024: Man City 2-1 Man United
- November 2023: Man United 0-3 Man City
- January 2023: Man United 2-1 Man City
- October 2022: Man City 6-3 Man United
Manchester City have won three of the last four meetings, often controlling the tempo and exposing United’s defensive vulnerabilities.
A Manchester derby is never just any old 90 minutes 💪 pic.twitter.com/PnZiYb6TH3
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 5, 2025
Key Battles to Watch
Bruno Fernandes vs Bernardo Silva
A creative clash of titans. Fernandes will aim to pull strings for United, while Silva will orchestrate City’s midfield tempo. Whichever playmaker finds more space may tip the game in their team’s favor.
Rasmus Højlund vs Rúben Dias
Højlund’s physical presence and pace could trouble City’s reshuffled defense. Dias will need to be at his best to marshal the backline.
Doku vs Dalot
Jérémy Doku’s explosive pace down the flank can be a nightmare for full-backs. Diogo Dalot will need positional discipline and support from midfield to contain him.
Manchester United vs Manchester City Betting Odds & Analysis
- Manchester City Win: +110
- Draw: +260
- Manchester United Win: +240
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS): -175
- Over 2.5 Goals: -160
Expert Prediction: 2-2 Draw
Given the injury disruptions and defensive gaps on both sides, goals should be expected. Both teams have enough attacking quality to find the net, but neither looks solid enough defensively to dominate. A high-scoring draw looks the likeliest outcome.
Place your bets at JitaBet, JitaWin, and Jita88, they offer really good odds, play and win big!
Ruben discussed Garna in Friday's press conference 🇦🇷#MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 4, 2025
Conclusion
The 2025 edition of the Manchester derby has all the makings of a classic: elite managers, passionate fanbases, unpredictable lineups, and huge consequences for the Premier League table.
While Manchester City enter with slightly better form and a more structured tactical identity, United’s home advantage and underdog status could give them the edge mentally. The absence of Haaland and Martínez adds uncertainty, but it also opens the door for new heroes to emerge.
If you’re betting or simply watching for the spectacle, expect intensity, goals, and drama — because in a derby, form often goes out the window.
